Remilitarisation of the Rhineland

• The Rhineland is the area of Germany between France and the river Rhine
• If Germany were to attack France, they would most likely move their forces through the Rhineland
• After WWI, the Rhineland was made a demilitarised zone as part of the Treaty of Versailles and confirmed by the Locarno Treaty of 1925 to protect France from future German attacks
• The demilitarisation of the Rhineland was a clear breach of the Treaty of Versailles and the Treaty of Locarno, justifying Britain and France in imposing sanctions or taking military action against Germany
• League of Nations condemned the action on the 14th of March, 1 week after the event
• France condemned the reoccupation of the Rhineland and sought Britain's support in military action
• Britain issued a formal protest to Germany and attempted to avoid military action through talks with France
• Reasons why Britain didn't want to take action:

  • Strong pacifist movement in the 1930s, with many opposing war as wasteful and costly
  • British public indifference towards German troops occupying their own territory
  • Belief among the British public that Germany had "genuine grievances"